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Job Description

Provide leadership for the rapidly growing signature certification programs of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).  Serve as Director of the Center for Sustainable Small Farms and Urban Agriculture (CSSFUA). Establish a vigorous, nationally recognized educational certification program and research integration agenda in the areas of small farm sustainability and urban agriculture. Oversee the completion of the campus Center for Sustainable Small Farms and Urban Agriculture and obtain and sustain external funding in these areas.  Must also participate in college, university, community outreach, and professional service.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership in the area of small farm and urban agriculture education including serving as Director of the Center for Sustainable Small Farms and Urban Agriculture (CSSFUA).

• Conducts field days and engages in service activities with colleagues, the department, college, university, community, and professional organizations.

• Coordinates the development of certification programs.

• Capitalize on current and emerging high priority research (aligned with the strategic plans of CAFNR as well as of USDA NIFA and other funding agencies) to promote our understanding of new and applied science knowledge to improve food security in the State of Texas, primarily for underserved and limited-resource communities, and publish results of this research in fact sheets or in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and acquire externally funded grants and contracts for relevant research projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:       

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture, or closely related fields including Organizational Leadership with an agricultural background.

• An established track record of research experience in areas such as food safety, food product development, or food processing.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience with adult education or outreach experience working with agricultural producers and landowners.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Demonstrate excellent leadership skills and a strategic vision to provide direction to the CSSFUA.

• Proficiency in written and oral communication skills and team-building skills.

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and success in securing external grants for research projects.

• Engagement with professional organizations in the discipline, commodity groups, and/or service organizations.

• Ability to demonstrate success in leading large-scale outreach or community-based agricultural programs, specifically with measurable impact.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Agriculture, or closely related fields including Organizational Leadership with an agricultural background.

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience with adult education or outreach experience working with agricultural producers and landowners

• An established track record of research experience in areas such as food safety, food product development, or food processing.

• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in agricultural research or extension programs.

• Proven experience in managing federal or state agricultural grants and ensuring compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements.  

• Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks related to food safety, environmental sustainability, or agricultural policies.

• Experience in mentoring and developing junior faculty or professionals within agriculture-focused organizations.

• A strong entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify new funding opportunities and innovative research paths.

• Advanced knowledge of data analytics and its application to agricultural research or land management.

• Cross-functional leadership experience, involving collaboration between academic, government, and industry stakeholders.

• A deep understanding of agricultural policy and its impact on local, state, or national agriculture, food systems, and rural development.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.